The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1887-09-21
THE CLOSING BANQUET.
The Final Incident in the Grand Celebra-
ton of the Centennial.

PHILADELPHIA, September 1.-THE cele-
brstion ended tonight with a grand
banquet by the University of PeRnsyl-
vania, American Philosophical Socie v,
College of Physicians, Law Academy, His
torical Society, Franklin Institute AGA
denny of Fine Arts and Academy of n atural
Science to President Cleveland and other
distinguished guests of the Centennial
Commissioners. President Cleveland was
promptly in the Academy Of Music at the
hour appointed for the banquet and found
waiting him the most distinguished wish
tors to the city, as well as almost every
prominent man of affairs in Phila-
delpbia. The floor had been LAID over
the seats in the parquet, and tables for 600
persons spread. Bowers of growing plants,
and cut flowers hid the hall from the gaze
of persons on the lower floor. The boxes
were festooned with ropes of flowers and
smilax, and the stage was set with
tropical scenery. At $50 the guests
formed in line led by Provost
Pepper of the University of Pennsylvania,
marched into the hall. Tables were laid
in rows extending the entire length of the
room.
President Cleveland took his seat at TIT
place of honor at the northern side of the
building, hsnked on the right by Provost
Pepper, who acted as toast master,
and on the left by George w. Childs,
While the gentlemen were still eating
Mrs. Cleveland, accompanied by Mrs.
Lamont, entered the prosceniu On box.
Her arrival caused for outoucst Of ap
plause from the gentlemen below fol-
lowed by the appearance in the balcony
seats OF the wives, daughters
and sweethearts OF gentlemeR on the hoor.
Almost as soon as the ladies had taken
seats, Provost Pepper opened the speech
making. He referred to the various or.
CARNATIONS under whose Joint auspices the
banquet to the President was given
as the outgrowth of that momentous
event of which this was the bundredth
anniversary, and called on the President
to respond to the toast 1.-The
President of the United States "
A vigorous outburst of applause
greeted Mr.. Cleveland when he arose.
In response to the toasc, 1.-THE President
and the United States" President CIeve-
land said: On such day as this, and in
the atmosphere that now surrounds him,
feel that the President of the United
States should be thoughtfully modest and
humble. The great Office he occupies
stands to-day in the presence OF Its maker;
and it IL especially fitting for this servant
OF the people and creature OF
the constitution, amid the impressive
scenes of this centennial occasion, by q
IlBu otu c4huluntlOu W 70 uosulou JUL
corning his loyalty and obedience TO the
| law of bis existence. He will find that the
| rules prescribed for his guidance require
| for the performance Of his duty, not the
| intellect or attainments which would raise
| him far above the feeling and sentiment of
| the plain people of the land, but rather
| such knowledge of their condition and
| sympathy with their wants and needs rs
| will bring him near to them. Aud though
Il ha ~ al I'D ku ha al oh
| of his responsibility and the solemnity
| of his situation, he cannot fail to
| find comfort and encouragement in the
| success the fathers of the constitution
/ wrought from their simple. patriotic devo-
| ton to the rights and interests of the peo-
| pie. Surely he may hope that, II reverent-
| ly invoked, the spirit which gave the con-
stitution life will be sufficient for its sue
| cessful operation and the accomplishment
of Its bene6cient purposes.
| Because they are brought nearest to the
events and scenes which marked the birth
| of American institutions, the people oil
Philadelphia should, of all our citizens, be
| most imbued with sentiments of the
/ broadest patriotism. The first Continent
| al Congress and the constitutional conven-
| ton met here, and Philadel phia still has in
her keeping Carpenters Hall, Independence
| Hall and its bell, and the grave OF franklin
| AS 1 look about me and see here repre-
sented the societies that express 30 largely
the culture OF Philadelphia, its love OF art
it's devotion to science, its regard for the
broadcast of knowledge and its studiou:
care for historical research-societies, some
of which antedate the constitution, fesl
that ] am in q notable company. tt
you Is given the duty OF pre-
serving aud protecting for your city
for all your feIlow-countrymen and FOL
mankind the traditions and the incidentl
| rslatsd to the establishment. of the frees
Ind best government ever vouchsafed Il